UPPER NAZARETH TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The Upper Nazareth Fire Department celebrated Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day on Monday with some good news.
The department was among just 13 in Pennsylvania — and one of 150 fire departments in 44 states — to get a $10,000 grant from State Farm Insurance and the National Volunteer Fire Council.
A total of $1.5 million was awarded nationwide through the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, State Farm said in a release.
Upper Nazareth was the only Lehigh Valley department to secure a grant through the program.
“The money will be used for much needed fire hose to replace older hose,” Fire Chief Jeff Fassl said via email.
'Many departments struggle'
The announcement was made Monday in part to recognize that volunteer firefighters make up 65% of the U.S. fire service, and communities across the country rely on volunteers to respond to emergencies of all kinds.
Upper Nazareth put out a public call for volunteers late last year, stating on social media the department was facing a critical challenge: fewer residents stepping up to protect and serve.
“As the number of active firefighters decreases, it puts more pressure on those who remain, and it jeopardizes our ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergencies,” a Facebook post said.
Beyond its officers, Upper Nazareth lists 18 firefighters and five junior firefighters on its website. Many members serve multiple roles, including drivers, emergency medical technicians and fire police.
The department also has a small auxiliary unit supporting operations.
State Farm recognized many departments, as does Upper Nazareth, also operate with limited budgets, making it difficult to afford the equipment and gear needed.
“The NVFC is proud to team up with State Farm to continue the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program and provide critical assistance to volunteer fire departments,” NVFC Chairman Steve Hirsch said in the release.
“Firefighting and rescue equipment is expensive, and many departments struggle to find the funding they need.
"These grants from State Farm enable small departments to secure equipment they need to be better prepared to serve their communities and protect their responders.”
$2.5 million awarded
In addition to the 150 grants announced Monday, State Farm said it provided complimentary NVFC memberships to the first 2,000 eligible applicants.
The memberships provide more responders with access to an array of benefits, such as free training, support services and more.
Since the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program launched in 2024, $2.5 million has been awarded to 250 local fire departments, the release said.
For more information about the grant program, including a list of departments receiving grants, visit www.nvfc.org/statefarm.
